Bracing & Splinting (DME)

Bracing and splinting is a noninvasive way to control, guide, limit, or immobilize a joint or extremity. While they have similarities, braces and splints have specific purposes.

Splints

Splints are generally for short-term use to support an injured joint. They are made of rigid materials to restrict movement and minimize pressure on your nerves to help you heal.

Braces

Braces are typically meant for long-term use to keep your joint in a neutral position to give soft-tissue sprains and strains the time they need to heal after an injury or surgery.

The in-house bracing center at Southern Oregon Orthopedics offers a variety of braces and splints to assist in your rehabilitation from an orthopedic injury.

Braces and splints are types of durable medical equipment (DME) that are made of metal, plastic, elastic, and other materials.

The orthopedic specialists can customize a brace or splint to your unique needs to ensure you receive the full benefit of the device.

You might need these therapies as part of your recovery from an orthopedic injury or surgery. The goal of bracing and splinting is to allow damaged soft tissues, bones, and joints time to heal.

By minimizing movements and not putting weight on an injured extremity or joint, your body can heal naturally and receive the full benefit of other orthopedic treatments.

Braces and splints are available to support the recovery of your:

• Hands
• Wrists
• Arms
• Legs
• Knees
• Elbows
• Shoulders

You might only need a brace or splint for a period of time after surgery or while recovering from a minor injury. Some people benefit from the added support of a brace or a splint in their everyday life to prevent pain.

It’s important that you follow your Southern Oregon Orthopedics provider’s recommendations for wearing your brace or splint. Wearing these devices for too long can increase joint stiffness and pain.